The sunshine failed to shine in Leith, as Motherwell were defeated by three-goals to one at a frosty Easter Road on Saturday afternoon.
The Steelmen proved to be the architects of their own downfall, gifting the hosts three-goals across both halves to cement a disappointing end to a congested fixture list.
Manager, Stuart Kettlewell named six-changes from the side who held Kilmarnock to a goalless stalemate at Rugby Park on Wednesday evening. The departure of West Ham loanee Kristian Hegyi and an injury sustained midweek by Aston Oxborough prompted Motherwell to secure the signature of a replacement before the game in the Scottish Capital.
Goalkeeper Archie Mair was thrusted into his Motherwell debut after agreeing a season-long loan deal from Norwich City late yesterday evening, with Kai Andrews awarded his first Motherwell start alongside Stephen O’Donnell, Paul McGinn, Shane Blaney, and Tom Sparrow who all returned to the starting XI.
The hosts had the breakthrough shortly before the half-hour mark, as Nicky Cadden advanced across the left-flank before teeing up Martin Boyle, who calmly converted from a few yards out.
The second followed moments later, as Ewan Wilson was caught in possession deep into the Motherwell half, and Nectarios Triantis drilled his strike past Mair into the bottom-right corner.
Motherwell skipper Paul McGinn had an unfortunate return from a recent injury spell, with the 34-year-old forced off early in the first-half.
Second-half substitute Callum Slattery announced his return from injury in style, curling home a magnificent free-kick to earn a late Motherwell lifeline, but despite looking firmly in the ascendency, the visitors conceded a penalty kick in the later stages. Boyle stepped up and converted his second of the game to seal all three points for Hibernian.
Striker Jack Vale then received his marching orders with seconds left to play after contesting a Hibs counter-attack, which prompted the referee to brandish a straight red card.
